| ‘Let’s get this train rolling’: Mayor writes to Minister Mbalula to propose Working Committee on rail devolution | Our Constitution, as well as the National Land Transport Act and National Development Plan, recognises that some functions are best handled by local government. | <div>Yesterday, I wrote to the national Transport Minister, the Hon Fikile Mbalula, to propose the formation of a new Working Committee to be comprised of officials from the Department of Transport, the City, and PRASA.<br><br></div><div>The Committee would begin the detailed work of rail devolution and ensure close cooperation between the national and city governments on the policy direction outlined in the National Rail Policy White Paper that was gazetted by the Minister this month. It would also enable the two governments to work together to improve rail services in Cape Town, even before devolution occurs. <br><br></div><div>I commended the Minister and his Department on the White Paper; it is a progressive document that — if implemented carefully and with a people-centric rather than a politician-centric approach — will allow us to fundamentally change track as regards inclusionary and economy-boosting transport in South Africa. It has the potential to turn the story of South African rail from one of declining access, lack of safety, and unreliability to one of steadily improving mobility. <br><br></div><div>I believe the Minister and I share the vision of a Cape Town where everyone — from the construction worker getting to the building site, to the young schoolgirl attending school across town, to the civil servant returning home after a late night at the office — is able to arrive at any station between the hours of 05h00 and 22h00, catch a train within fifteen minutes and get home safely. <br><br></div><div>Our Constitution, as well as the National Land Transport Act and National Development Plan, recognises that some functions are best handled by local government. All over the world, as the White Paper acknowledges, it is known that rail is better managed by local governments, where officials understand local needs. <br><br></div><div>I asked Minister Mbalula to acknowledge that the devolution of a government function is not a “loss” for one sphere of government and a “win” for another, even when different political parties are involved. If urban rail in Cape Town succeeds, it is a victory for every sphere of government and for every South African. <br><br></div><div>The benefits resulting from a reliable, safe, and affordable rail network in Cape Town will have social, economic, and fiscal pay-offs that will have positive repercussions at a national level. The devolution of this function, it follows, is an act of patriotism that will improve the lives of all, not a narrowly-interested victory for a different political party. <br><br></div><div>I look forward to hearing back from the Minister on my proposal and am confident that together, our two governments will lay the tracks for a rail renaissance in South Africa that will see unprecedented mobility, connectivity, and convenience for all. </div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><strong>End</strong></div><div><br><br></div><p><br></p> | 2022-05-23T22:00:00Z | | | | | | | 1 | | | |
| The practicalities of navigating a Covid-19 resurgence | Given the time of year, it is difficult to make a distinction between the common cold or flu, and Covid-19, particularly as symptoms of the latter have become far less specific | <div>‘Given the time of year, it is difficult to make a distinction between the common cold or flu, and Covid-19, particularly as symptoms of the latter have become far less specific. Furthermore, testing at private facilities comes at a cost, and public facilities are testing only certain at-risk groups. So it’s imperative that our residents know what to do, should they start feeling unwell or suspect that they may be Covid-positive. This applies also to isolation periods, as many of the regulations have changed in the last few months and the City appreciates that it might be difficult to keep track,’ said the Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Patricia Van der Ross.</div><div><br></div><div>Currently, primary care public health facilities are offering Covid-19 tests only to persons 40 years and older, as well as persons of any age who have one or more of the following co-morbidities: diabetes, obesity, heart disease, lung disease, kidney disease, cancer, tuberculosis and poorly controlled HIV.</div><div><br></div><div>It is advised that persons who experience cold and flu like symptoms should presume its Covid-19 and should isolate for seven days and be mindful and stay away from vulnerable persons.</div><div><br></div><div><strong>The isolation protocols are:</strong></div><div><br></div><div><ul><li>Isolate for seven days from start of symptoms</li><li>There is no need to isolate if you test positive but are asymptomatic. However it is recommended that you should for five days from the date of the test:</li></ul></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align:left;"><ul><li>wear a mask<br></li><li>avoid social gatherings and being indoors socially<br></li><li>Avoid social interaction with senior Citizens (>60 years) and anyone with co-morbidities <br></li><li>whenever interacting with people /onset of symptoms<br></li></ul></div><div><br></div><div>For detailed information on isolation protocols visit: https://bit.ly/3lB3t8u</div><div><br></div><div>The public is also advised to keep gatherings small, and in well-ventilated spaces, to continue sanitizing or washing their hands regularly, and properly, to wear masks indoors and to ensure appropriate social distancing at all times.</div><div><br></div><div>However, vaccination to protect yourself and others regardless of a prior infection remains priority number one. </div><div><br></div><div>Vaccination has proven to reduce the severity of Covid-19 infection, as well as have longer lasting immunity against the various strains.</div><div><br></div><div>‘We strongly advise and encourage residents who haven’t been vaccinated to do so as soon as possible at the nearest vaccination point. It is not only about strengthening your own defense and immune system but also to respect and protect family members and ultimately the community. We cannot afford to drop our guard – practice good health protocols – get vaccinated and go for your booster,’ added Councillor van der Ross.</div><div><br></div><div>For a list of City of Cape Town testing facilities visit: <a href="https://bit.ly/3iElhPH" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/3iElhPH</a> <br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><strong>End</strong><br></div><div> <br></div><p><br></p> | 2022-05-23T22:00:00Z | | | | | | | 1 | | | |
| Electricity vandalism stats show slight increase in Atlantis, Helderberg areas | The City has seen a downward trend in vandalism, theft and illegal connections incidents in some districts of the city. | <span><p>The City has seen a downward trend in vandalism, theft and illegal connections incidents in some districts of the city. However, it remains a challenge. The City thanks residents for their ongoing support and for reporting incidents of vandalism in their communities to the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the City.<br></p><div>The City, through its enforcement agencies, and the Metal Theft Unit (MTU) in particular, continues to do everything possible within its mandate, to address theft and vandalism of infrastructure. In the first three months of this year (January to March), the MTU arrested 54 suspects, issued just over 2 000 fines, recovered hundreds of kilograms of infrastructure belonging to the City, Eskom, Telkom and other entities. In addition, they conducted 561 inspections at scrapyards, during which they issued 95 warning notices and closed 29 facilities. <br><br></div>
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<img src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/Area%20North%20vandalism%201.jpg" class="responsive" alt="" style="width:1807px;" /> </figure></span><span><div>‘In April this year, the City’s Electricity Generation and Distribution Department continued to record incidents of infrastructure vandalism across the city. Atlantis, including Mamre, and Helderberg regions have seen a slight increase in incidents. Our teams have seen a drop in incidents in the other hotspot areas such as Vanguard region. This is a positive trend and we thank residents for doing their part, being vigilant and for reporting these incidents to us. </div><div><br></div><div>‘Community support has played a critical role in curbing these criminal acts and we urge residents to continue supporting the City by reporting any suspicious acts to the SAPS and City. We once again thank all communities for standing with us against vandalism and together we can bring an end to these illegal acts,’ said the City’s Mayoral Member for Energy, Councillor Beverley van Reenen.<br><br></div>
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<img src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/Area%20North%20vandalism%202.jpg" class="responsive" alt="" style="width:933px;" /> </figure></span><div>The South African Police Service remains the lead authority in crime prevention.</div><div><br></div><div><strong>Report damage to municipal electrical infrastructure:</strong><br></div><div>SMS: 31220 </div><div>Email:<a href="mailto:power@capetown.gov.za" style="font-family:calibri, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN" class="ms-rteFontSize-3"><strong>power@capetown.gov.za</strong></span></a><br><br></div><div><strong>Anonymous tip-offs welcomed:</strong></div><div>Residents can give anonymous tip offs if they are aware of illegal activity, such as illegal connections or unlawful occupations, that are taking place; that have happened or is still to happen. Please call 112 from a cell phone (toll free) and 107 from a landline or 021 480 7700 for emergencies</div><div><br></div><div> </div><div><strong>End</strong><br></div><p><br></p> | 2022-05-23T22:00:00Z | | | | | | | 1 | | | |
| Water supply disruption to Mount Rhodes area in Hout Bay postponed | The City’s Water and Sanitation Department originally planned to conduct zero pressure tests on the main water supply to the Mount Rhodes area | <div>As part of careful consideration given to the planning of this work to ensure minimal disruption to the water supply in the affected areas, the City has decided to postpone this planned activity. </div><div><br></div><div>The City regrets any inconvenience caused.</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>End</div><div><br><br></div><p><br></p> | 2022-05-23T22:00:00Z | | | | | | | 1 | | | |
